Re: F. Paul Pacult on Irish Whiskey

I'd push Redbreast and the Jameson 15 into the classic ranks. I can't speak on the Midleton 1998, but the 1996 I'm currently enjoying is (as another whiskey lover once said) a "peach monster." The Bushmill's 16 is good, but the three-wood finish leaves it a bit muddled. I saw no mention of Power's Gold Label, the leading seller in Ireland. I'd rather drink that than Bushmill's white label of regular Jameson any day.

Re: F. Paul Pacult on Irish Whiskey

You said: "I'd rather drink that than Bushmill's white label of regular Jameson any day."

I've just recently introduced myself to Irish whiskey and those are the only two I've tried at this point. I chose them knowing they were "low-end" but I figured they formed a good basic introduction to Irish whiskey. Are they? Or do you consider them sub-standard? Your comment had me wondering. I don't believe Power's Gold Label is available locally.

Also, how would you compare Bush Original (white label) to Black Bush. And how does Jameson 1780 compare to Jameson?

I was actually surprised to see in the article that texascarl posted that Pacult rates Black Bush higher than Bush single malt. With all the rage about single malts, I assumed the Bush single malt would rank higher.

Re: F. Paul Pacult on Irish Whiskey

Both Black Bush and Jameson 1780 a far superior to their less expensive cousins. Black Bush is a blend of one malt whiskey and one grain whiskey, aged together for 12 years. It is smoother, rounder, more sherried and immensely more interesting than "white Bush." The 1780 is also 12yo and offers a tasty, fruit-filled palate which balances nicely with soft, malty notes.

Power's is priced equivalently with Bushmill's white and regular Jemmy. It contains about 70 percent pure pot still whiskey and thus packs more flavor than the other two could ever hope for. It is widely available in the states.

As for Black Bush vs. Bushmill's 10yo single malt, I would give the edge to Black Bush. The malt is interesting, but lacking something. Black Bush seems to satisfy me more, a bit fuller in body, better balance, longer finish.

For something really different, try Connemara Peated Irish Single Malt. Cooley Distillery produces it using malted barley from Scotland. Not as peaty as the Islay bruisers, but a really interesting and yummy balance of peat and Irish fruitiness.

Re: F. Paul Pacult on Irish Whiskey

I agree that BlackBush is one of my favorites..in fact..I prefer it over the "three wood" single malt. I have not tried Powers. My first Irish was Bushmills white label..I enjoyed it..but it pales in comparison to Black. I saw Redbreast in Binnys (I picked up Kentucky Spirit and EC 12) and will put it on my xmas wish list! Regular Jameson is a good, smooth drinking Irish..nothing wrong at all with it...the Gold is superb ($$$$).

Re: F. Paul Pacult on Irish Whiskey

Well, I FINALLY got around to reading the Pacault article (computer problems).

Pure Pot Still: Redbreast is my typical Irish pour. It is great and embodies true Irish tradition. I actually prefer Jameson 15yo and will often do a PPS head to head with Redbreast, J15, and Greenspot (ordered from overseas). Although it is VERY expensive, if you ever get a chance to try (old) Midleton 26yo, it is amazing. Knappogue Castle '51 36yo in my ultimate "special occassion" Irish.

Single Malt: I like Irish single Malts, but prefer the PPS &amp; blends overall. I am very fond of Bushmill's 16yo because of the complexity and Connemara because of the deft use of peat. Probably my favorate is the Bushmill's Millennium '75.

Blends: As noted by others Middleton '98 is sublime and Jameson Gold is great. Jameson 1780 and Black Bush are a great value. I use Power's (even though I like it) in Irish Coffee a few times a week.

Grain Whiskey: Greenore is partially aged in rum casks. I'm fond of it but it took a little getting used to. (overseas only)

Re: F. Paul Pacult on Irish Whiskey

Ah, my man finally chimes in. Listen to him, my friends, for he knows of what he speaks. I will forever be in John's debt for the taste of Midleton 26 he gave me (amazing whiskey indeed). BTW, a co-worker of mine has just returned from a tour of Scotland. He brought me back some goodies, including (I hope) a bottle of Greenspot (plus a bottle of Laphroaig 10yo Cask Strength). Good times await.